Zane wasn't kidding the cake was to die for or as he would say an orgasm in my mouth. This man can cook and he can bake. I think I'll keep him.

We spent the rest of the night talking and getting to know each other. He likes the color orange, loves football, prefers old rock music and favorite food is a medium steak.

I told him how I was raised by my aunt and uncle because my mom had me when she was 14. My grandmother was in her late 50s when she had my mom so my aunt was already in her mid 20s and married. My mom was careless and reckless. Snuck out at all hours starting when she was 12 years old. She did drugs, smoked, drank and had sex with anything that had a dick. My aunt said she even had sex with a 45 year old man and he could be my possible father. When my mom became pregnant with me she moved in with my aunt and uncle and they supported her. When I was born my mom split and lord only knows where she is now. So my aunt Rita and uncle Rick are the only mom and dad I know and yes I did refer to them as mom and dad.

I didn't know about my mom until I was about 8 years old when my mom appeared out of no where and tried to take me with her. Aunt Rita promised she was going to tell me but wanted to make sure it was when I was old enough and understood. I understand alright, I was raised by two amazing people and wouldn't want it any other way. They have two daughters of their own. Lizzie and Jamie and they are twins. They were born 2 years after Aunt Rita had taken me in.

Zane gives me a look of pity and I assure him it's ok. I moved out here so my mom wouldn't find me. Aunt Rita and Uncle Rick were more than supportive as long as I didn't get in trouble.

"Well I'm glad you came here and met Paul because then I would not have ever known you."

I smile. "I know. It was hard to do but I'm managing. I'm pretty proud of myself."

Sometime around 4am we fell asleep on the couch tangled in each other. I woke up trying to roll over but couldn't. I woke Zane up and we headed upstairs to my bed. It felt strange having in my bed but also nice. Knowing that he wasn't there just to have sex with me was comforting.

*************************************************

I wake up around noon from the door buzzer going off. Zane kisses me on the cheek and runs down to answer it.

"Hey Paul and Chris what's up?" I hear him say.

"Where's Lucy?" Paul asks.

"She's still in bed. Why what's wrong?" Zane asks.

"Lucy! Are you coming down stairs?"

I grumble and pull the blankets off and slide my slippers on and head downstairs.

"Where is your phone at?" Paul asks.

"Oh I must of left it down stairs when we headed to bed. What's going on?"

"The bar was broken into after we closed up last night. They took everything. Liquor, money and vandalized it." Paul says.

"Wait weren't you home last night?"

"No we went to Paul's last night to go sit in the hot tub."

"Shit now what?" I say.

"I called the cops, the insurance company and until everything is fixed we are closed down. Thank god I have everything in the bank! The most they got away with couldn't have been more than like $700 that I kept as back up invade we ran out of anything during the night."

"Dang Paul I'm sorry." Zane says apologetically.

"Zane I need you to be honest with me. Did you have anything to do with this?"

"What?!?! No! That's crazy Paul! He was with me last night and all night hence why he's still here!" I yell.

"Wow Paul so glad you think that low of me." Zane says grabbing the door knob to walk.

"Wait Zane. Not what I meant. What I meant was, is anyone out to get you from before?" Paul asks.

"That's just as bad Paul! You know what fuck this. I'm out!"

"Zane!" I call out and he's gone. "Paul what the fuck!"

"Sorry Lucy but I needed to know. Trouble has always followed him. If you think you know him so well after a couple weeks you are wrong Lucy. Why the hell do you think I'm trying to protect you?"

"I don't need protected Paul! I'm a grown ass adult!"

"Ok we all need to just calm down." Chris steps in now. "We don't know everything he has gotten himself into. We only know what he chooses to tell us."

"He told me everything and he swore it was everything."

"Don't be naive Lucy. Men lie." Chris states.

"You both are ridiculous!" I shake my head. "I think you both should leave and try to find him."

Chris and Paul leave knowing I'm being serious and knowing if they didn't go I would get even more pissed off. I grab my phone and try to call Zane but it went straight to voicemail. I hope he doesn't do anything stupid.

I head into the bathroom to fix my hair and wash my face. Once I'm done I head upstairs to change my clothes. Heading toward the front door I grab my keys from the hook and head out to join the search for Zane. Please let him be at his apartment.

Driving passed the bar I see the shattered front window and caution tape. I continue driving toward Zane's, fingers crossed that he's there. Pulling up front I clutch my steering wheel until my knuckles turn white. Inhaling deep I open my car door and walk up the steps to his apartment. I knock for 3-4 minutes while saying Zane its me Lucy but he never comes to the door.

Why should he be mad at me? I stood up for him. I decide to sit on the steps for a bit a wait to see if he comes here. Then I get a text.

Zane: look I know you are looking for me but don't. I need some time. I made a huge mistake coming here, thinking things would be different but Paul has proven me wrong again. Please just let me be.

My heart sinks and suddenly I want to cry, scream, throw a fit. Fucking Paul!

Me: I'm at your apartment. Please come talk to me. I believe in you.

Zane: I'm already gone Lucy. I came to my apartment packed my bags and left. I can't do this. I'm sorry. I should have never gotten involved. Take care Lucy.

Me: you don't get to do this Zane!

Zane: do what Lucy?

Me: run away when things get tough!

Zane: I'm not running away. This simply did not work out. Again I'm sorry. I'm glad I met you though.

Me: please Zane, I believe in you.

Zane: goodbye Lucy.

I go to respond but I don't allow myself. It's just too much so I let him have the last word and I pull my legs against my chest sobbing into my knees. I feel defeated and I don't even know why. Not like we were together or anything. I was falling for him though and he just ran. Fucking coward! Fucking Paul!

Prying myself off the steps I get back into my car and drive back home. I pound on the steering wheel in anger as the tears continue to pour out. I need to calm down. He's gone and there's nothing I can do about it. Obviously I'm not important enough to stick around for but Paul had no right and I don't blame Zane for being angry. But why did he have to run? I hope that doesn't mean he does have something to do with what happened. I know he didn't do it but what if it was the supplier that found him? What if Zane still owed him money and he was doing what he needed to for him to collect.

I pull up outside my apartment and drag myself to the door and unlock it. I shut the door, lock it and turn the volume down on the intercom because I don't even want Paul to come here. Glancing at the island in the kitchen I notice the half eaten cake and want so much to turn the time back to yesterday. All I hear in my mind is goodbye Lucy. Grabbing the pan I fling it at the wall and scream! The cake smears down the wall and plops onto the floor.

We were *sniff *sniff starting something amazing. I hate this! I hate him! I hate Paul. *sniff *sniff. Why?

Throwing myself onto the couch I pull the blanket over my head. Laying like that for a half hour or so I finally turn on the tv to some paranormal show. I'm calm now and just trying to keep my mind off of him.  I'm trying to rationalize with myself as to why I have the right to be so upset. I must feel something more than I thought. Stupid me.

Picking my phone up, I notice messages from Paul.

Paul: Lucy please let me in.
            Please we need to talk.
            I know you're in there.
            I hear your tv.
            I'm not leaving until you open this door!

I get off the couch and walk over to the door and swing it open. Dumbass was sitting against so falls to the floor.

"Dammit Lucy that hurt!"

"Sorry but not sorry."

Paul gets up off of the floor and comes in. "Jesus Lucy what happened to the cake?"

"It lost."

"Funny. I see you're pissed at me?"

"What do you think Paul?"

"I didn't mean to accuse him. You don't know if his trouble followed him."

"I believe him Paul. You flat out accused him. He was with me."

"No shit Lucy! Just because he was with you doesn't mean someone from his past didn't do it to spite him. Maybe he still owes money."

He could be right though. He does make a valid point. Still doesn't make it any easier. Pauls gives me a sympathetic look and the tears fall again. Paul sighs and hugs me tight. Wish he would just come back to me.